In a celebration of avian wonders and biodiversity, the 4th National Chilika Birds Festival took flight with the inauguration by Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on January 27. The three-day programme, organised by the Department of Tourism, Department of Forest, Environment and Climate Change, and Chilika Development Authority, has seen the participation of 52 selected birders from various parts of India.

In his address, Patnaik hailed Chilika Lake as a "pilgrimage for over a million-winged visitors," emphasising its status as Asia's largest brackish water lake. He commended the collaborative efforts of various departments for organising the event, foreseeing it as a significant addition to Odisha's reputation as a burgeoning birding hub.

The festival commenced with the inauguration of a Photo Exhibition featuring the work of renowned photographers such as Shri Shakti Nanda, Shri Umakanta Biswal, Dhritiman Mukherjee, and others. The exhibition showcased the rich biodiversity of Chilika Lake through mesmerising photographs, offering a visual treat to attendees.

This year's festival drew the participation of 52 birders from across India, highlighting the growing interest in birding and wildlife conservation. Tourism Minister Shri Aswini Kumar Patra emphasised Odisha's unique position as a birding hub, citing the results of the latest bird census, which recorded a total count of 11.37 lakh birds across over 187 species in the Chilika region.

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Dr. Lenin Mohanty, Chairman of OTDC, praised Odisha Tourism for its effective promotion and publicity, especially in areas like Mangalajodi, which has become a shining example of community-led conservation. He stressed the collective goal of positioning Odisha as the most sought-after birding hub in the Asia-Pacific region.

Additional Chief Secretary Shri Surendra Kumar highlighted the strategic alignment between eco-conservation and tourism, emphasising the active involvement of local communities, particularly boatmen, in the festival. Parallel events, including Bird Walks at Nandankanan and Ekamra Kanan, and Lecture Walks, were also announced.

Director Tourism, Shri Sachin Ramchandra Jadhav, welcomed participants and expressed optimism about future editions, envisioning increased participation from foreign birding enthusiasts. The festival aims not only to showcase the avian diversity but also to promote parallel events that provide a comprehensive understanding of Odisha's biodiversity.

Dr. Manoj Nair, Director Nandankanan & Chief Executive Chilika Development Authority, reiterated the symbiotic relationship between conservation efforts and tourism development. He emphasised that the soul of Odisha Tourism resides in Chilika, and efforts will persist to synergise conservation with tourism.

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The festival also saw the launch of the State of India's Birds poster and video, presenting a scientific report assessing the birds of India. Talks by Dr. Manoj Nair, Dr. Suresh Kumar from Wildlife Institute of India, birder and author Panchami Manoo Ukil, and eminent photographer Dhritiman Mukherjee enriched the festival with insights from scientific research, birding experiences, and visual storytelling.

The parallel session on Citizen Science and Bird Conservation provided a platform for delegates passionate about leveraging citizen engagement for avian biodiversity preservation. Over the next two days, participants went on birding tours to Mangalajodi and Nalabana, further immersing themselves in the natural splendors of Chilika Lake.